urn:taro:tslac.20134 Texas Planning Board: An Inventory of Works Progress Administration Studies at the Texas State Archives, 1929-1937, undated (bulk 1935-1937) Finding aid by Laura K. Saegert This EAD finding aid was created in part with funds provided by the Texas Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund Board for the Texas Archival Resources Online project. Texas State Library and Archives Commission April 1987 Finding aid encoded by Laura K. Saegert in EAD Version 2002 as part of the TARO project, December 2004. Finding aid written in English. Overview Texas State Archives Texas Planning Board. Works Progress Administration studies, 1929-1937, undated (bulk 1935-1937) This series consists of reports and maps of the Texas Planning Board, dating 1929-1937 and undated (bulk 1935-1937), from a project sponsored by the Works Progress Administration. This was WPA federal project No. 3, better known as Texas Planning Board Staff Project 6909. This project was designed to assist the Board, through additional staff and funding, in its studies of the natural resources and economic conditions of the state. Data gathered was used to promote economic expansion and development, primarily in the fields of agriculture and industry. Other areas studied were forestry, commodity trade, public health, transportation, water resources, and mineral resources. 2.31 cubic ft., 53 maps. Restrictions on Access

None.

Restrictions on Use

Most records created by Texas state agencies are not copyrighted and may be freely used in any way. State records also include materials received by, not created by, state agencies. Copyright remains with the creator. The researcher is responsible for complying with U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 U.S.C.).

Some of the maps are too large to photocopy.

Technical Requirements

None.

Agency History

A semi-official Texas Planning Board was created on May 21, 1934 by Governor Miriam A. Ferguson at the request of the United States National Resources Board. Its goals were to study the state's natural resources, initiate a long-range planning program outlining needed public works, and work in cooperation with the nation-wide planning program of the National Resources Board. As this Board was not legislatively mandated, it received no funds. Office space, equipment, and personnel were furnished by several state agencies. The National Resources Board supplied three consultants and a clerk. The Board was composed of fourteen members, several representing state agencies, i.e., the State Reclamation Engineer; the State Health Officer; a member of the State Board of Water Engineers; Chairman, Texas Railroad Commission; Chairman, Texas Highway Commission; and Director, Texas Forest Service. The first meeting of this Board was on July 2, 1934. The final meeting was jointly held with the official Planning Board on April 18, 1935. At this time, all records of the old Board were transferred to the new Board. Accomplishments of the old Board were the preparation of the bill creating the official Planning Board, and a comprehensive study of the people, environment, and natural resources of Texas. This study assembled information concerning basic conditions and desirable undertakings for improving the social and economic conditions of the people of the state.

The Texas Planning Board was established on March 16, 1935, when Governor James V Allred signed into law House Bill 197 of the 44th Legislature. The Board was created for four years and its authority was limited to making advisory reports and recommendations. It reported to the Governor, Legislature, and the various State and Federal agencies with which it worked. The Board was comprised of nine members. Three were ex-officio members, the State Highway Engineer, Chairman of the Board of Water Engineers, and the Secretary of State, who also served as the secretary of the Board. The other six were appointed by the Governor with the approval of the Senate, three of whom represented agriculture, labor, and reforestation. The Chairman of the Board was appointed by the Governor and the Vice-chairman was elected by the Board members. The Board employed a Director and small staff. The National Resources Board (formerly the National Planning Board) encouraged the formation of state planning boards to conduct state-wide planning in conjunction with its nation-wide planning program. Texas and other states forming such boards were furnished the services of consultants to assist with their planning programs.

Much of the Board's research was conducted through committees. Nine subject-oriented committees were appointed initially by the Board, each headed by a Board member. In later years, two or three more committees were added, chaired by private citizens. Committee members were selected from state universities, business and industry, and the public at large. The committees conducted studies, made reports, and drafted proposed legislation. Another committee, the Mapping Committee, had no particular subject affiliation. It prepared maps when needed for other committees' studies and reports. The function of the Board was to promote and assist in the conservation and development of the natural resources of the state. It was also empowered to work with the Federal government to acquire money for relief projects in Texas from the $4,880,000,000 relief bill approved by Congress. The Board developed a work program consisting of the following points: improvement of public health; determining a land use policy; conservation and utilization of surface and under-ground waters; determining mineral resources in the state and promoting their industrial development; preparing a policy of reforestation and placing forestry on a substained-yield basis; studying transportation and recommendations for improving the highway system and other modes of transportation; conducting a comprehensive industrial survey and encouraging development of Texas' industries; studying the state educational system; and studying various aspects of government and society.

It encouraged and assisted counties, cities, and regions in setting up planning boards to review and plan for smaller-scale projects. The Board itself concentrated on state-wide endeavors. The Board was successful in obtaining Federal relief money for a number of state-wide surveys and projects, and smaller-scale public works projects. It received funding and staff from the Works Progress Administration to assist in some of its research activities. These studies, known as staff project 6909, focused on the natural resources and economic conditions of the state. Other areas researched were: surface and underground water resources; land use; public health; forestry; industry; population composition and distribution; mineral resources; hydroelectric power; oyster production; education; low cost housing; revenue and taxation; transportation; recreational facilities; the 1939 New York World's Fair, and the Golden Gate International Exposition in San Francisco. A major undertaking was a study of the State's river basins, done in conjunction with a nation-wide water study conducted by the National Resources Committee (formerly National Resources Board). From this study, the Planning Board prepared a plan for the development of Texas rivers.

Several other research projects culminated in published reports. According to the Board, those pertaining to mineral resources and industry were particularly useful, as these promoted the business and industrial aspects of the state and its resources. The Board also supplied general and recreational information about Texas for tourists and other interested parties.

As a result of Board studies and investigations, several pieces of legislation were drafted. Proposed legislation included an act to control the labeling of milk; an act establishing mosquito control districts; a bill to create the State Department of Public Welfare; a bill to regulate and promote conservation of underground water; revisions to Texas mineral laws; and a bill to extend the life of the Board. The Legislature did not continue the Board and it ceased to exist on March 16, 1939. The Board held a special meeting on March 13 at which disposition of its books, records, and equipment was decided.

Scope and Contents of the Records

This series consists of reports and maps of the Texas Planning Board, dating 1929-1937 and undated (bulk 1935-1937), from a project sponsored by the Works Progress Administration. This was WPA federal project No. 3, better known as Texas Planning Board Staff Project 6909. This project was designed to assist the Board, through additional staff and funding, in its studies of the natural resources and economic conditions of the state. Data gathered was used to promote economic expansion and development, primarily in the fields of agriculture and industry. Other areas studied were forestry, commodity trade, public health, transportation, water resources, and mineral resources. In addition to topical research, this project provided clerical and technical assistance to the Bureaus of Economic Geology, Engineering Research, and Business Research, all at the University of Texas, to assist with research undertaken by these departments. A report summarizing the work done on this project through March 1937 is present at the end of this series. Included with these materials are the WPA Project Proposal for mineral studies, correspondence, copies of government documents, and a few articles possibly not part of this research project. Folder titles of these latter items are preceded by an asterisk, to distinguish them from known project documents.

Notably missing from these materials are the reports covering the state's eleemosynary institutions, minerals, and water resources. Some of the miscellaneous hydrology materials in the Maps, Charts, and Notes series may be part of these studies. Many of these items were moldy and brittle due to water damage. Because of their deteriorating condition, these materials have been electrostatically copied and the originals destroyed.

This series was removed from the overall Texas Planning Board finding aid due to the electronic file size limitations imposed by the online finding aid web site (TARO). If you are reading this electronically, click on the following link to access the overall finding aid, Texas Planning Board, Records. If you are reading this in paper in the Archives search room, the finding aid, Records, is found in the first divider within the same binder.

Arrangement

Reports are arranged alphabetically by subject.

Index Terms

The terms listed here were used to catalog the records. The terms can be used to find similar or related records.

Corporate Names: United States. Works Progress Administration. Subjects: Water resources development--Texas. Natural resources--Texas. Regional planning--Texas. Mines and mineral resources--Texas. Public works--Texas. Land use--Texas--Planning. Water supply--Texas. Forests and Forestry--Texas. Flood control--Texas. Places: Texas--Economic conditions. Texas--Public works. Document Types: Maps--Texas--Planning--1929-1937. Reports--Texas--Planning--1929-1937. Functions: Planning. Developing natural resources. Related Material

The following materials are offered as possible sources of further information on the agencies and subjects covered by the records. The listing is not exhaustive.

Texas State Archives

Texas Governor James V Allred, Records, 1931-1939 (bulk 1935-1938), 54.05 cubic ft. Texas Governor W. Lee O'Daniel, Records, 1938-1941, undated (bulk 1939-1941), 73.79 cubic ft.

Center for American History, University of Texas at Austin

Texas Planning Board Land Use Commission Papers Preferred Citation

(Identify the item), Works Progress Administration studies, Records, Texas Planning Board. Archives and Information Services Division, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Accession Information

Accession numbers: 1965/100, 1972/93, 1984/140, 1987/56, 1987/59

These records were transferred to the State Archives by the Texas Secretary of State during the 1940-1942 biennium and in April, 1966; and by the State Records Division on February 18, 1972. Additional records were photocopied through the courtesy of Sul Ross State University on December 11, 1986; and Geoffrey M. Henebry on December 23, 1986.

Processing Information

Laura K. Saegert, April 1987

Detailed Description of the Records Works Progress Administration Studies, 1929-1937, undated (bulk 1935-1937), 2.31 cubic ft., 53 maps. 017-10 1. Correspondence re: WPA projects, August - November 1937 017-10 2. WPA Project Proposal, for mineral studies, December 1937 017-10 Agriculture Products of Texas by Census Years from 1890 - 1935

[Note: Five volumes, consisting of text and statistical maps showing production of various products every five - ten years since 1890. The maps from Volume IV are missing. Foldered by chapters (pages unnumbered)].

017-10 Volume I: 017-10 3. a. Production of Horses 017-10 4. b. Production of Mules 017-10 5. c. Production of Cattle 017-10 6. d. Production of Sheep 017-10 7. e. Production of Goats 017-10 8. f. Production of Swine 017-10 9. g. Production of Chicken 017-10 10. h. Production of Turkeys 017-10 11. i. Production of Ducks 017-10 12 j. Production of Geese 017-10 Volume II: 017-10 13. a. Production of Wool 017-10 14. b. Production of Mohair 017-10 15. c. Production of Butter 017-10 16. d. Production of Milk 017-10 17. e. Production of Cream 017-10 18. f. Production of Eggs 017-10 19. g. Production of Honey 017-10 20. h. Production of Bees Wax 017-10 Volume III: 017-10 21. a. Production of Cotton 017-10 22. b. Production of Corn 017-10 23. c. Production of Oats 017-10 24. d. Production of Wheat 017-10 25. e. Production of Sugar Cane 017-10 26. f. Production of Rice 017-10 27. g. Production of Barley 017-10 28. h. Production of Buckwheat 017-10 29. i. Production of Rye 017-10 Volume IV: 017-10 30. a. Production of Dry Beans 017-10 31. b. Production of Canada Peas 017-10 32. c. Production of Cow Peas 017-10 33. d. Production of Peanuts 017-10 34. e. Production of Alfalfa 017-10 35. f. Production of Clover 017-10 36. g. Production of Broomcorn 017-10 37. h. Production of Irish Potatoes 017-10 38. i. Production of Sweet Potatoes 017-10 39. j. Production of Onions 017-10 40. k. Production of Tobacco 017-10 Volume V: 017-10 41. a. Production of Apples 017-10 42. b. Production of Apricots 017-10 43. c. Production of Cherries 017-10 44. d. Production of Figs 017-10 45. e. Production of Grapes 017-10 46. f. Production of Oranges 017-10 47. g. Production of Peaches 017-10 48. h. Production of Pears 017-10 49. i. Production of Plums and Prunes 017-10 50. j. Production of Dewberries and Blackberries 017-10 51. k. Production of Strawberries 017-10 52. l. Production of Pecans Statistical maps from an untitled report

[Note: These maps are not accompanied by any text. These are similar to maps found in the previous foldered report.]

017-37 1. Number of horses on farms, 1920, 1925, 1930 [3 maps] 017-37 1. Number of mules on farms, 1920, 1925, 1930 [3 maps] 017-37 2. Number of cattle on farms, 1920, 1925, 1930 [3 maps] 017-37 2. Number of hogs on farms, 1920, 1925, 1930 [3 maps] 017-37 3. Number of sheep on farms, 1930 [1 map] 017-37 3. Number of goats on farms, 1930 [1 map] 017-37 4. Number of chickens on farms, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 5. Number of turkeys on farms, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 5. Number of ducks on farms, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 5. Number of geese on farms, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 6. Corn in acres, 1924, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 6. Wheat in acres, 1924, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 7. Oats threshed in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 7. Oats cut, but not threshed, in acres, 1924, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 8. Barley threshed in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 8. Rice in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 9. Timothy and clover mixed, in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 9. Clovers - red, alsike and mammoth, in acres, 9 1924, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 10. Clovers - sweet, crimson & Japan, in acres, 1924, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 10. Clovers, all kinds, 1919 [1 map] 017-37 11. Alfalfa, in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 11. Other tame grasses in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 12. Wild grasses cut for hay [in acres], 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 12. Small grains cut for hay, in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 13. Annual legumes saved for hay, in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 14. Cotton in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 14. Cotton seed in tons, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 15. Irish potatoes in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 15. Sweet potatoes in acres, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 16. Chicken eggs, in dozens, 1919, 1924, 1929 [3 maps] 017-37 16. Whole milk production, in gallons, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 16. Whole milk sold, in gallons, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 17. Number of pounds of unwashed wool, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 17. Honey production in pounds, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 18. Asparagus harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 18. Beans (string or snap) harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 19. Beans (green or lima) harvested for sale, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 19. Beets harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 19. Broccoli harvested for sale, 1929 [1 map] 017-37 20. Cabbage harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 20. Canteloupes and mushrooms harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 21. Carrots harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 21. Sweet corn harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 22. Cucumbers harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 22. Eggplant harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 23. Lettuce harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 23. Okra harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 24. Onions, dry, harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 24. Onions, green, harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 25. Parsley harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 25. Peas (green) harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 26. Peppers (including pimentos) harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 26. Radishes harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 27. Spinach harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 27. Squashes harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 28. Tomatoes harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 28. Turnips harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 29. Watermelons harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 29. Mixed vegetables harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-37 29. Other vegetables harvested for sale, 1919, 1929 [2 maps] 017-11 Agriculture reports: 017-11 1-2. Compilation of Data on U.S. Agriculture by State, Staff Project 2333, [ca. 1936] [pages unnumbered] 017-11 3. Farm tenancy reports, undated 017-11 4-11. Number of Farms, Land in Farms, Value of Land and Buildings, 1890-1935, [ca. 1936] [pages unnumbered] 017-11 12. The Soy Bean in Texas, State Department of Agriculture, undated 017-11 13-15. Texas Crop Production Reported by Census Years, 1980-1935, [ca. 1936] [pages unnumbered] 017-11 16. Beef cattle, report, 1935 017-11 Reports on waterborne commodity trade at various ports: 017-11 Galveston: 017-11 17. Imports, 1912-1926, [p. 1-24] 017-11 18. Exports, 1912-1926, [p. 25-51] 017-11 19. Coastwise receipts, 1912-1922, [p. 52-73] 017-11 20. Coastwise shipments, 1912 - 1922 [p. 74-95] 017-11 Houston: 017-11 21. Imports, 1917-1926, [p. 96-111] 017-11 22. Exports, 1917-1926, [p. 98-115] 017-11 23. Coastwise shipments, 1917-1926, [p. 116-132] 017-11 24. Coastwise receipts, 1917-1926, [p. 133-153] 017-11 25. Internal receipts and shipments, 1917- 1922, [p. 154-162] 017-11 Texas City: 017-11 26. Imports, 1912-1926, [p. 163-182] 017-11 27. Exports, 1912-1926, [p. 183-214] 017-11 28. Coastwise shipments, 1912-1926, [p. 215-227] 017-11 29. Local traffic, 1923-1926, [p. 228- 229] 017-12 Commodity trade, waterborne: 017-12 1. Beaumont, 1935 017-12 2. Corpus Christi, 1935 017-12 3. Freeport, 1935 017-12 4. Galveston, 1935 017-12 5-9. Houston, 1929-1935 017-12 10. Orange, 1935 017-12 11. Port Aransas, 1935 017-12 12. Port Arthur, 1935 017-12 13. Sabine Pass, 1929-1934 017-12 14. Texas City, 1935 017-12 15-21. Department of Commerce reports on Texas ports, 1929-1935 017-12 Distillers, Treasury Department amended list of U.S. permits: 017-12 22. Supplements 12,14, and 16, December, 1934 - January, 1935 017-12 23. Supplements 18-20, 25-26, February - April, 1935 017-12 24. Supplements 28-31, May - December, 1935 017-12 25. Supplements 34-35, February - March, 1936 017-12 26-27. Distillers, List of U.S. Permits, Federal Alcohol Administration, 1936 017-12 28. Distillers, partial list of non-Texas operators selling in Texas, undated 017-12 29. Fiber industry, various reports, 1931, 1934, 1937, undated 017-12 30-31. Fishing industry, various reports, undated 017-12 32. Floods, 1819-1935, various reports, undated 017-12 Foreign trade, Department of Commerce: 017-12 33-34. Report, 1933-1934 017-12 35. Statistics, 1934 017-12 36. Monthly statistics, June - April, 1936 017-13 1-2. Industry, various reports, undated 017-13 3. Industry, various reports, undated 017-13 4-5. Leather industry, various reports, 1925-1935 017-13 6-13. Lumber industry, various reports, undated 017-13 14. Lumber, rosin, and turpentine production reports, 1899- 1934 Minerals

Maps compiled by the Board, with the assistance of the Bureau of Economic Geology, showing the location of various mineral deposits in the state. Following the state maps are a set of county maps, pinpointing deposits of the mineral Greensand in each county. County maps for other minerals in their study were done but are not present. See maps 6863-6883 for maps showing the location of mines, quarries, etc. for many of these minerals. These production maps are located in the Maps, Charts, and Notes series.

Map 6810 [Anhydrite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6811 [Antimony Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6812 [Asbestos Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6813 [Asphalt Rock Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6814 [Barite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6815 [Basalt Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6816 [Calcite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6817 [Carbon Black Production in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6818 [Celestite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6819 [Cement Materials Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6820 [Coal Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6821 [Copper Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6822 [Diatomaceous Earth Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6823 [Dolomite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6824 [Feldspar Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6825 [Fluospar Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6826 [Garnet Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6827 [General Clay Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6828 [Granite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6829 [Graphite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6830 [Greensand Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6831 [Gypsum Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6832 [Iron Ore Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6833 [Lead Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6834 [Lignite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6835 [Lime Materials Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6836 [Limestone Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6837 [Manganese Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6838 [Marble Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6839 [Mercury Compounds in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6840 [Deposits of Natural Sodium Compounds in Texas, ca. 1936 Map 6841 [Potash Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6842 [Pumice and Pumicite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6843 [Purite Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6844 [Quartz Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6845 [Salt Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6846 [Sandstone Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6847 [Silicia Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6848 [Silver Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6849 [Sulphur Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Map 6850 [Talc and Soapstone Deposits in Texas], ca. 1936 Maps showing greensand deposits by county: Map 6851 Cass County, ca. 1936 Map 6852 Cherokee County, ca. 1936 Map 6853 Delta County, ca. 1936 Map 6854 Harrison County, ca. 1936 Map 6855 Marion County, ca. 1936 Map 6856 Morris County, ca. 1936 Map 6857 Nacogdoches County, ca. 1936 Map 6858 Panola County, ca. 1936 Map 6859 Red River County, ca. 1936 Map 6860 Rusk County, ca. 1936 Map 6861 Upshur County, ca. 1936 Map 6862 Van Zandt County, ca. 1936 017-13 15. Pecan Production in the United States, 1924-1929, 1930 017-13 16. Pecan production reports, ca. 1935 017-13 17. Soap industry report, undated 017-13 18-19. Travel industry, various reports, undated 017-13 20. WPA Project 6909, status reports, 1936-1937 017-13 Report of Activities of the Texas Planning Board, Staff Project No. 6909 for the period beginning January 3, 1936 and ending March 31, 1937: [pages unnumbered] 017-13 21. Introductory material - letters of transmittal, forward, historical summary, cost analysis, and project divisions summary 017-13 22-26. Headquarters Division 017-13 27-28. Water Resources Division 017-13 29. Mineral Resources Division 017-13 30 Bureau of Economic Geology and Business Research Divisions, and Houston Division